The switch
from bargain basement to upmarket quality has been an agreeable one for Korean car maker Kia.
Its
small car contender the Rio may
have been the model that propelled the brand up the path to UK recognition, but
it certainly isn't one for standing still.
A
philosophy of offering value-conscious buyers lots of car for their cash
remains, but in response to customer clamour you can now lay your hands on a car kitted out like a prestige
hatch - which in truth is exactly what the top grade Rio has become.
Four,
or more precisely 4, is the magic number that is attracting buyers keen on
downsizing without downgrading.
Flagship
trim Rio 4 buyers now have
the option of a 107bhp 1.4-litre petrol engine or the tested 89bhp 1.4 CRDi
turbodiesel, both with six-speed manual transmission and stop/start.
Kit
like full leather upholstery, a powered tilt/slide sunroof, heated steering
wheel and smart key are all part of the package.
What
you get with the Kia is a
fresh, modern car you can
really enjoy taking for a drive - whether that be a potter round town or a dash
down the motorway.
At
present there are 24 derivatives in both three and five-door style with prices
from $10,095, which represents proper value for money, up to $17,445.
And
while there's a coupe-like roofline, head, leg and shoulder room aren't
compromised though it can be tight in the back if the front seats need to be
slid fully back.
Stowage
for bottles and cans is everywhere, while you also get an iPod/USB connection,
durable seats and upholstery - important for the re-sale market further down
the line - 60/40 split-fold rear seats and a deep boot.
All
diesels come with Kia's
EcoDynamics suite of measures like low rolling resistance tyres, Intelligent
Stop and Go, an accelerator kickdown switch and gearshift indicator.
It all
contributes to low CO2 emissions of 105g/km and an official average fuel figure
of 70.6 miles, though it has to be said my own mainly urban return was 47.3mpg.
What's
certain is that this is a well-refined car of balance, poise and comfort. It
also has some decent punch once up to speed if not any great acceleration.
Fast Facts
Price: $17,445
Mechanical: 89bhp, 1,396cc, 4-cyl diesel engine
driving front wheels via 6-speed manual gearbox
Max Speed: 106mph
0-62mph: 12.6 seconds
Combined MPG: 70.6
Insurance Group: 7
C02 emissions: 105g/km
Bik rating: 17%
Warranty: 7yrs/100,000 miles
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